Image | Pixabay
Tanzania is a popular destination for adventure travelers. Climbing to the top of Kilimanjaro is one of the best things to do in Tanzania if you are passionate about mountaineering and are in good physical condition.
With its 5.895 meters above sea level it is the highest mountain in Africa. Every year more than 20.000 people try to crown. If you are attracted to the idea and you would like to be one of those people, here we tell you everything you need to know about the emblem of Tanzania.
Origin of the name and discovery
Regarding the name of the mountain, it is believed that it may come from a combination of Swahili and Chagga. Hill in the first language it means mountain while njaro in the second it is translated as white. The result is a white mountain in allusion to its snowy summit.
It is an ancient volcano that is currently the highest point on the continent. In reality, Kilimanjaro is composed of three independent peaks: in the east Mawenzi with 5.149 meters; to the west Shira, with 3.962 meters; and Uhuru which is between the previous two with 5.891 meters.
Despite its enormous size, it was not until the mid-XNUMXth century that Europeans became aware of its existence. Back then, its snowy summit caught the attention of today's explorers and they witnessed this natural wonder that has inspired dozens of artists since then and motivated hundreds of people to climb Kilimanjaro.
Image | Pixabay
Kilimanjaro surroundings
Kilimanjaro is a marvel of nature where life makes its way on its slopes, to the point that due to its ecological value it was declared a World Heritage Site.
In the surroundings of this imposing mountain there are up to six different ecological zones that are worth knowing: from the agricultural lands of the plains cultivated by the Maasai to the tropical jungles or the alpine deserts that we encounter as we climb the slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Not only is there vegetation in the vicinity of Mount Kilimanjaro but, by extension, the homonymous natural park is also home to numerous species of animals such as birds, monkeys, leopards, antelopes and some endangered mammals.
Among the animals that live in the vicinity of Mount Kilimanjaro and the nature reserve that it hosts, there are numerous species of monkeys, leopards, antelopes, several endangered mammals and countless birds that nest in the different geological areas of the highest mountain in Africa.
Image | Pixabay
How to visit Kilimanjaro?
You can visit Mount Kilimanjaro in two ways: either by visiting the natural park to enjoy its amazing ecological diversity, getting to know the ecosystem of animals and plants that live in the territory or by undertaking the ascent to the highest mountain on the continent.
When to go to Kilimanjaro?
It is best to avoid the rainy season between March and May. The rest of the year the conditions do not vary in a notable way although between the months of June and September the temperatures are lower and in January and February they are warmer. The biggest crowds to climb Kilimanjaro occur around the Christmas and New Year holidays.